Press Release
December 18, 2008
Rep. Susan Davis Statement on Commerce Department Decision on Toll Road
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) released the following statement on the ruling by the Department of Commerce on a proposed toll road through San Onofre Beach State Park. Commerce upheld the decision by the California Coastal Commission in rejecting the toll road. Davis authored the law that removed an unprecedented federal exemption from California state law for the South Foothill Toll Road project. Davis’s amendment repealed a federal law enacted in 2000 declaring that state law does not specifically apply to the project. Her amendment was approved by the House Armed Services Committee in May 2007 after public debate. She also spearheaded congressional delegation letters ensuring that the public’s voice was heard during the appeal process and calling on the Commerce Department to uphold the Commission’s ruling.
“All along I have urged that the proposed toll road through San Onofre Beach State Park undergo the same process and scrutiny as other transportation projects. For nearly a decade, this project received preferential treatment at the federal level. The environmental and transportation issues surrounding this project are too important to forgo the integrity and transparency of the process.
“My success in passing my amendment was also made possible by the hard work of dedicated individuals and groups who believe that we have a responsibility to preserve our coastline and natural resources and to ensure that California’s environmental regulations are followed.
“At the end of the day, after all the facts were laid out on the table, the Department of Commerce ruled correctly. I hope that all parties can use this decision as a reason to come together and work on a viable alternative that does not destroy Southern California’s beautiful coastline or impede the Marine Corps’ ability to perform their national security mission.”